Utilizing Outcome Measurement to Improve Library Services

Learn about outcome measurement in libraries. Project Outcome for Public Libraries was designed to help libraries measure and assess the outcomes of key library programs and services. Participants will be guided though transitioning from the Project Outcome toolkit to local management of outcome measurement using freely available tools and templates. Learn how to measure meaningful learning outcomes—from administering surveys to presenting results—to improve programs and services and better advocate for your library.

Learning Outcomes

At the conclusion of this on-demand webinar, participants will be able to:

• Discover how patron surveys can help libraries measure meaningful learning outcomes;
• Use freely available tools and templates to administer surveys and visualize results;
• Understand how other libraries have used outcome data for action; and
• Utilize data to improve library services and better advocate for their libraries.

Additional Resources

• Slideshow (PDF)
• Outcome Measurement for Public Libraries
• Project Outcome for Public Libraries Press Release
• Resources to Help You Get Started:
  • Choosing the Right Survey (PDF)
  • Building Internal Support (PDF)
• Resources for Delivering Surveys:
  • How to Talk to Patrons (PDF)
  • Measuring Virtual Programs (PDF)
• Resources for Using Your Results:
  • Framing Survey Results (PDF)
  • Good Practices for Communicating Data (PDF)
• Case Studies Shared:
  • Burnsville Public Library Case Study (PDF)
  • Somerset County Library Services of NJ Strategic Plan
• Applications:
  • Google Forms
  • Microsoft Forms
  • Canva
• Questions? Email: info@projectoutcome.org
• Peer Discussion on ALA Connect
  Search "Project Outcome for Public Libraries - Peer Discussion Board"
• Chat Transcript (PDF)

Who Should Attend

This free on-demand webinar is intended for all library staff and administrators at public libraries who are interested in making improvements to their library’s programs and services.

Panelists

Lynn Hoffman (she/her) is deputy director at the Somerset County Library System of New Jersey. In addition to having been a frequent instructor for the Research Institute for Public Libraries (RIPL), she is a current member of PLA’s Measurement, Evaluation, and Assessment Advisory Group, and has been involved with PLA data work since 2013.

Katina Jones (she/her) is the program manager for evaluation and assessment at PLA. She supports PLA's data tools, annual topical surveys, and other data and evaluation work. Katina started her library career working as the state data coordinator at the Missouri State Library, followed by nearly nine years as the data analyst at one of that state's largest suburban public libraries.

Accommodations

This on-demand webinar is captioned in English (United States).

If you have a physical or communication need that may affect your access to this on-demand webinar, please contact us at plawebinars@ala.org or 800-545-2433 ext. 5PLA (5752) prior to registering so we can attempt to provide appropriate accommodations.

Tech Requirements

To play this on-demand webinar you should use a browser with native HTML5 support. Please use the most up-to-date version available of Chrome, Safari, Firefox, Opera, or Edge. A fast Internet connection and computer is recommended.